Energy Efficient Appliances

Most appliances appear very similar externally but they can vary dramatically when it comes to energy saving and as a result running expenditure.

Here you can discover all you need to know about low energy household appliances. Learn more about what energy electricity saving appliances are, what makes them different, the benefits of using them and when you should make the investment. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact F&D Huntington Beach Appliance Repair.

What is an Energy Efficient Home Appliance?

Put simply energy efficiency is employing lower energy to provide the same function. This could mean, replacing an incandescent light bulb with an energy efficient LED bulb that produces the same brightness or insulating your walls so you need less heating.

Energy efficiency is related to but distinct from energy conservation which involves making use of less energy by changing the outcome. Eg choosing to walk when you might normally have used the car or only using the dishwasher when you have a full load.

Low energy devices are created to offer the same outcomes using less energy allowing you to save money. Lower power usage result in lower utility bills and less environmental impact.

Many appliances available in the USA are ENERGY STAR marked, meaning they offer use less electricity than lower rated models, normally ranging from 10-50%. Most household appliances display EnergyGuide labels which demonstrate how efficient they are in comparison to other comparable appliances.

These simple labels can be a good first point of call when determining if an appliance is energy conserving or not.

Types of Electricity Saving Devices

Some examples of energy conserving household appliances include:

Fridges

Air Conditioners

Water Heaters

Washers

Tumble Dryers

How Energy Conserving Appliances work

Energy efficient appliances work by taking advantage of the best current techniques to maximize efficiency. That might look like better insulation in fridges, filters in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in clothes dryers to reduce drying time.

Reasons to Switch to Electricity Efficient Devices

Choosing electricity saving household appliances is a good idea for multiple reasons:

Reducing energy. The less energy intensive an appliance is the less resources it uses . Meaning you can experience a noticeable reduction in energy consumption without having to change your habits.

Saving money. Although energy-efficient household appliances may have a higher up-front cost they will inevitably save you money over time by cutting your energy bills.

Environmental benefits. Most of the electricity we use in our homes comes from oil and gas and results in greenhouse gas emissions. Lessening our abuse of natural resources also conserves them for future generations.

Do Energy Conserving Devices Really Cost Less?

The extent to which you save and whether or not you notice a substantial difference in your annual bills will depend on the relative efficiency of the old and future household appliances, how much you use them and how long the product lasts.

The older the appliance you are replacing is the more significant the difference you are likely to see. Similarly the more energy the device needs to run the greater the likely savings. For example substituting an worn out, inefficient, overcapacity air conditioning unit with a replacement ENERGY STAR rated one that is the exact size for your home, will make a noticeable impact whereas replacing your fridge with one that is only 10% less energy intensive will have a markedly smaller impact.

Research suggests that if your fridge was built over 20 years ago you could gain up to $270 in five years, however if it was produced in within the last decade the money you save will be much less significant.

You also have to make sure you make use of your devices energy-efficient settings to get the best reductions. For example, setting your dryer for a fixed time negates its ability to sense when your clothes are nearly dry.

When comparing new appliances factoring in both the upfront price and the ongoing costs will ensure you make the top choice for you.

How Energy Conserving Appliances Help the Planet

Saving energy isn’t only about cutting costs. Cutting energy requirements also has a sustainability impact.

Human actions have big effects on the environment, one of the most prevalent of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the air through the burning of oil and gas that can be responsible for air quality decline and climate change.

As the general population become more aware of the environmental impact of our daily decisions the market is replying with less wasteful solutions to our requirements. Whether that is reusable water bottles or in this case low energy air conditioners.

What are ENERGY STAR certified Appliances?

The ENERGY STAR certification was created in 1992 to ensure an readily recognizable way for people to choose more eco-friendly devices.

Rated appliances must meet both power performance and consumer needs in regards to fulfillment and attributes.

The requirements for the ENERGY STAR certification change according to the device being tested. In order to be awarded the ENERGY STAR, household appliances are required to be at least a certain percentage more efficient than the standard model in their grouping.

However, not all ENERGY STAR rated products are the same when it comes to energy efficiency. For example a freezer that is 15% more efficient and one that is 22% more efficient might get the certification. Therefore although only looking at products with the rating is a great place to start, it is still worth checking the actual energy usage before making your final choice.

Is an Low Energy Appliance the Best Choice for You?

Electricity saving household appliances really do make a impression at an individual and international level, saving you money over time and more resources to go around.

If you are in the market for a new appliance read the EnergyGuide label. It tells you the amount of energy an appliance needs and makes it simpler to decide between brands and styles.

You may also want to make a note of how much your energy costs you so you can make better comparisons.

Size makes a difference when it comes to home appliances. For example:

Having one bigger fridge requires less energy than paying for two little ones. Unless you only need the extra one during the holidays

When purchasing a replacement washing machine consider the size of the drum as running a space saving machine two times will cost more than running a higher capacity machine for a single run.

Even the best water heater will be unable to reduce your bills if it’s four times the capacity you require for your home.

Appliances use more energy as they age so replace older items first and if you can, focus on the appliances that contribute most to your overall energy usage.